Viewing the Bald Eagles on the Nooksack River
Story + Photography by Sara Montour Lewis
One of the things that’s so mesmerizing about the Puget Sound watershed is how connected it all is and how these cyclical systems work perfectly together. That, of course, is also what makes it so challenging. When one key component is failing it can throw the whole system off.
We’re brutally aware here in Washington of how important salmon are to the success of the entire watershed, as millions and millions of dollars + time + energy + resources are spent every year trying to protect our salmon species and get everything back in balance.
The Nooksack River shows this mountain to sea connection perfectly as the North Fork is formed by the glacial snowmelt from Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, which then winds its way to the Middle and South forks on its journey through forests, farmlands and cities before eventually reaching Bellingham Bay in Puget Sound.
Every winter chum salmon make their way back up that winding journey to the spawning grounds where they first began their lives to give life to the next generation. As their life cycle ends their carcasses are swept downstream, providing vital nutrients to the water, soil, riverbeds and wildlife along the way.
Because of this predictable cycle, bald eagles congregate by the hundreds along the North Fork late in winter to take advantage of these nutrients, putting on a stunning display that serves as a perfect reminder of how connected we are and how vital it is that we protect these wild spaces.
Scroll through our images from a quick day trip to the North Fork or jump to the bottom of this post for tips on where and how to view the eagles.
Where to view bald eagles on the Nooksack River:
Welcome Bridge on Mosquito Lake Road — Map
This is a very common viewing location as the bald eagles tend congregate just north of the bridge and frequently fly back and forth over the bridge making for great views and photo opportunities
The bridge, and road leading to it, are very narrow, so it’s definitely important to be mindful of where you’re parking and standing so you aren’t obstructing the road.
Deming Homestead Eagle Park — Map | Website
If the bridge is too crowded, or you want to stretch your legs a bit, head west on Mosquito Lake Road and then go south on Mt Baker Highway to Deming Homestead Eagle Park, which has trails, picnic tables and more opportunities for viewing eagles.
Take a field trip with the North Cascades Audubon Society — Website
During the winter months when the bald eagles are congregating NCAS offers guided field trips to see the eagles, led by experienced volunteers that take attendees to key viewing locations along the Nooksack River.
